A capacity counter system has a central capacity controller, a clicker to indicate when people enter or leave an area, and a video system for displaying a running count of how many people are in the area. The controller, clicker and video system communicate wirelessly using protocols that allow the controller to communicate with a plurality of clickers while being in close proximity to other controllers serving adjacent areas.
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1. A capacity counter system comprising: a) a computer implemented central capacity controller; b) a computer implemented first clicker; and c) a computer implemented video system wherein: d) said first clicker comprises: i) at least one of: 1) an up button to indicate an entry of a person into an area; or 2) a down button to indicate an exit of a person from said area; and ii) a wireless communication device; e) said video system comprises: i) a video display; and ii) a wireless communication device; f) said central capacity controller comprises: i) a first wireless communication device adapted to communicate with said wireless communication device of said first clicker; ii) a second wireless communication device adapted to communicate with said wireless communication device of said video system; and iii) computer code to cause said central capacity controller to: 1) receive from said first clicker via said first wireless communication device, an indication of a person entering or leaving said area; 2) increase or decrease a running count of persons in said area based on said received indication from said first clicker; and 3) transmit said running count of persons to said video system in real time via said second wireless communication device such that said running count of persons may be indicated on said video display in real time wherein: g) said central capacity controller is configured to implement a star network with respect a plurality of computer implemented clickers; h) said first clicker comprises a first ID; i) said central capacity controller comprises an allowable ID; and j) said central capacity controller is adapted to join said first clicker into said star network when said first ID matches said allowable ID.
This invention relates to systems for tracking the occupancy of an area, specifically addressing the problem of accurately and dynamically displaying the number of people present. The system comprises a central capacity controller, a first clicker, and a video system. The clicker is used to manually track entries and exits of people into an area. It includes either an "up" button for entries or a "down" button for exits, along with a wireless communication device. The video system features a video display and its own wireless communication device. The central capacity controller is the core of the system. It has wireless capabilities to communicate with both the clicker and the video system. It receives entry or exit signals from the clicker, updates a real-time count of people in the area, and then transmits this count to the video system for display on the video screen. The central capacity controller is designed to manage multiple clickers in a star network configuration. Each clicker has a unique ID, and the controller maintains an allowable ID. The system joins a clicker to the network only if its ID matches the allowable ID, ensuring authorized devices are used.
2. The capacity counter system of claim 1 wherein: a) said first wireless communication device is adapted to communicate with said wireless communication device of said first clicker using an ISM protocol; and b) said second wireless communication device is adapted to communicate with said wireless communication device of said video system using a Wi-Fi protocol.
This invention relates to a capacity counter system designed to monitor and manage the number of people in a defined area, such as a venue or facility, using wireless communication between clickers and a central video system. The system addresses the challenge of accurately tracking occupancy in real-time to ensure compliance with capacity limits, safety regulations, or operational requirements. The system includes a first wireless communication device that interfaces with a clicker carried by an individual entering or exiting the area. This clicker contains a wireless communication device that transmits signals to the first wireless communication device. The first wireless communication device is configured to communicate with the clicker using an Industrial, Scientific, and Medical (ISM) radio frequency protocol, which is suitable for short-range, low-power wireless communication. The system also includes a second wireless communication device that interfaces with a video system, which may be used for surveillance or monitoring purposes. This second wireless communication device communicates with the video system using a Wi-Fi protocol, enabling seamless integration with existing network infrastructure and remote monitoring capabilities. The capacity counter system dynamically updates occupancy data based on signals received from the clickers, allowing for real-time tracking and reporting of the number of people in the area. This ensures efficient management of capacity limits and enhances safety and operational control.
3. The capacity counter system of claim 1 which further comprises: a) a computer implemented portable programmable communication device wherein: b) said portable programmable communications device comprises a wireless communication device; c) said central capacity controller comprises a third wireless communication device; and d) said third wireless communication device is adapted to communicate with said wireless communication device of said portable programmable communications device using a Bluetooth® or Zigbee protocol.
This invention relates to a capacity counter system designed to monitor and manage the capacity of a storage or processing system, addressing the need for real-time tracking and remote access to capacity data. The system includes a central capacity controller that monitors the capacity of a storage or processing system and generates capacity data. A portable programmable communication device, equipped with a wireless communication device, allows users to access and interact with the capacity data remotely. The central capacity controller also includes a wireless communication device, enabling it to communicate with the portable device using Bluetooth or Zigbee protocols. This wireless connectivity ensures seamless data exchange between the controller and the portable device, facilitating remote monitoring and control of system capacity. The system enhances efficiency by providing real-time updates and enabling remote adjustments, improving operational flexibility and reducing the need for physical access to the storage or processing system. The use of standardized wireless protocols ensures compatibility and ease of integration with existing devices.
4. The capacity counter system of claim 3 wherein said portable programmable communications device is a smart phone or tablet.
A capacity counter system is designed to monitor and manage the remaining capacity of a portable programmable communications device, such as a smartphone or tablet, to ensure efficient power usage and prevent unexpected shutdowns. The system includes a capacity counter that tracks the device's battery level and compares it against predefined thresholds to trigger alerts or actions. When the battery level falls below a critical threshold, the system may automatically adjust device settings, such as reducing screen brightness or disabling non-essential functions, to conserve power. The system may also provide notifications to the user, suggesting actions like connecting to a charger or closing power-intensive applications. By integrating with the device's operating system, the capacity counter system ensures real-time monitoring and proactive management of battery capacity, enhancing the device's usability and reliability. The system is particularly useful for users who rely on their devices for extended periods without access to charging facilities.
5. The capacity counter system of claim 1 which further comprises a computer implemented second clicker wherein: a) said first clicker comprises an active up button, but not an active down button b) said second clicker comprises: i) an active down button but not an active up button; and ii) a wireless communications device; c) said central capacity controller is adapted to: i) increase said sum of persons in said area upon receipt of an activation of said up button of said first clicker; and ii) decrease said sum of persons in said area upon receipt of an activation of said down button of said second clicker.
A capacity counter system monitors and adjusts the number of persons in a defined area, such as a venue or facility, to ensure compliance with occupancy limits. The system includes a central capacity controller that maintains a running total of persons in the area. A first clicker device is used to increment the count when a person enters the area, featuring an active up button but no active down button to prevent accidental decreases. A second clicker device is used to decrement the count when a person exits, featuring an active down button but no active up button to prevent accidental increases. The second clicker includes a wireless communications device to transmit signals to the central controller. The controller updates the total count based on signals received from either clicker, ensuring accurate and real-time tracking of occupancy. This system prevents unauthorized modifications to the count and ensures reliable monitoring of capacity limits.
6. The capacity counter system of claim 1 wherein said first ID is a unique ID.
A capacity counter system is used to track and manage the usage of a resource, such as storage space, network bandwidth, or computational capacity, in a distributed or shared environment. The system addresses the challenge of accurately monitoring and allocating limited resources among multiple users or devices, ensuring efficient utilization and preventing overuse. The system includes a capacity counter that tracks the amount of resource consumed by a user or device, identified by a unique identifier (ID). This unique ID ensures that each user or device is distinctly tracked, preventing conflicts or errors in resource allocation. The system may also include a capacity manager that enforces usage limits and generates alerts when thresholds are exceeded. The unique ID allows the system to maintain precise records of resource consumption, enabling fair and accurate billing, access control, and performance optimization. The system may be implemented in cloud computing, data storage, or network management applications, where resource tracking is critical for operational efficiency and cost management. The use of a unique ID ensures that each entity is correctly identified, improving the reliability and accuracy of the capacity counter system.
7. The capacity counter system of claim 1 wherein said first clicker is a handheld device.
A handheld device-based capacity counter system is designed to monitor and track the usage of a material, such as a liquid or granular substance, dispensed from a container. The system addresses the need for accurate, real-time measurement of remaining material in containers, particularly in industrial, medical, or laboratory settings where precise tracking is critical. The handheld device, serving as the first clicker, is used to manually or automatically detect and record each dispensing event. This device may include sensors, buttons, or other input mechanisms to log the amount of material dispensed per event. The system also includes a second clicker, which may be a fixed or integrated component of the container, to provide additional measurement or verification. The handheld device communicates with the second clicker and a central processing unit to calculate and display the remaining capacity of the container. The system ensures accurate tracking by accounting for each dispensing event and adjusting the total capacity accordingly. This approach eliminates manual estimation errors and provides reliable data for inventory management, usage monitoring, and automated reordering. The handheld device may also include features such as wireless connectivity, data storage, and user interfaces for easy operation and integration with existing systems.
8. A capacity counter system comprising: a) a computer implemented central capacity controller; b) a computer implemented first clicker; c) a computer implemented second clicker; and d) a computer implemented video system wherein: e) said first clicker comprises: i) an active up button but not an active down button; and ii) a wireless communication device; f) said second clicker comprises: i) an active down button but not an active up button; and ii) a wireless communication device; g) said video system comprises: i) a video display; and ii) a wireless communication device; h) said central capacity controller comprises: i) a first wireless communication device adapted to communicate with said wireless communication devices of said first clicker and said second clicker; ii) a second wireless communication device adapted to communicate with said wireless communication device of said video system; and iii) computer code to cause said central capacity controller to: 1) receive from said first clicker via said first wireless communication device, an indication of a person entering said area; 2) to receive from said second clicker via said first wireless communication device, an indication of a person leaving said area; 3) increase or decrease a running count of persons in said area based on said received indications from said clickers; and 4) transmit said running count of persons to said video system in real time via said second wireless communication device such that said running count of persons may be indicated on said video display in real time.
The system is designed for real-time monitoring of the number of people in a defined area, such as a venue or facility, to manage capacity and ensure safety. The system includes a central capacity controller, two specialized clickers, and a video display system. The first clicker has an active "up" button but no "down" button, allowing it to wirelessly signal the entry of a person into the area. The second clicker has an active "down" button but no "up" button, allowing it to wirelessly signal the exit of a person from the area. Both clickers communicate wirelessly with the central controller. The video system includes a display and a wireless communication device to receive and display the current count of people in the area. The central controller processes signals from the clickers, adjusts a running count of people in the area, and transmits the updated count to the video system in real time. The video display then shows the current count, providing immediate visibility of occupancy levels. This system ensures accurate, real-time tracking of people entering and leaving an area, aiding in capacity management and compliance with safety regulations.
9. The capacity counter system of claim 8 wherein: a) said first wireless communication device is adapted to communicate with said wireless communication device of said first clicker using an ISM protocol; and b) said second wireless communication device is adapted to communicate with said wireless communication device of said video system using a Wi-Fi protocol.
This invention relates to a capacity counter system designed to monitor and manage the number of people in a defined area, such as a venue or facility, using wireless communication between clickers and a central system. The system addresses the challenge of accurately tracking occupancy in real-time to ensure compliance with capacity limits, safety regulations, or operational requirements. The system includes a first wireless communication device that interfaces with a first clicker, which is used by an operator to manually increment or decrement a count of people entering or exiting the area. The first wireless communication device communicates with the clicker using an Industrial, Scientific, and Medical (ISM) radio frequency protocol, which is suitable for short-range, low-power wireless communication. A second wireless communication device is also included, which communicates with a video system using a Wi-Fi protocol. The video system may be used to visually verify the count or provide additional data for monitoring purposes. The second wireless communication device ensures seamless integration with existing Wi-Fi infrastructure, allowing for remote monitoring and data transmission. The system may also include a display unit to show the current occupancy count and a processor to manage data exchange between the components. The use of different wireless protocols—ISM for the clicker and Wi-Fi for the video system—ensures reliable communication while leveraging existing network infrastructure. This dual-protocol approach enhances flexibility and scalability in various deployment scenarios. The system is particularly useful in environments where real-time occupancy tracking is critical, such as event venues, public spaces, or controlled access areas.
10. The capacity counter system of claim 8 which further comprises: a) a computer implemented portable programmable communication device wherein: b) said portable programmable communication device comprises a wireless communication device; c) said central capacity controller comprises a third wireless communication device; and d) said third wireless communication device is adapted to communicate with said wireless communication device of said portable programmable communication device using a Bluetooth® or Zigbee protocol.
This invention relates to a capacity counter system for monitoring and managing resource usage, particularly in industrial or commercial settings where tracking consumption of materials, energy, or other resources is critical. The system addresses the problem of inefficient resource management by providing real-time monitoring and control capabilities through wireless communication. The system includes a central capacity controller that tracks and regulates resource usage. A portable programmable communication device, equipped with a wireless communication module, interfaces with the central controller. The portable device allows users to remotely monitor and adjust resource allocation. The central controller also includes a wireless communication module, enabling bidirectional data exchange with the portable device. Communication between the devices occurs via Bluetooth or Zigbee protocols, ensuring low-power, short-range wireless connectivity. This setup enables seamless data transmission and control commands, improving operational efficiency and reducing manual intervention. The system enhances resource management by providing real-time updates and remote control capabilities, optimizing usage and minimizing waste.
11. The capacity counter system of claim 10 wherein said portable programmable communication device is a smart phone or tablet.
A capacity counter system is designed to monitor and manage the remaining capacity of a portable programmable communication device, such as a smartphone or tablet, to ensure reliable operation. The system includes a capacity counter that tracks the remaining capacity of the device's battery or other critical resources, such as memory or processing power. The counter is configured to provide real-time updates on the available capacity, allowing the device to adjust its operations or alert the user when capacity is low. The system may also include a capacity threshold detector that triggers predefined actions when the remaining capacity falls below a specified threshold. These actions can include reducing power consumption, pausing non-essential functions, or notifying the user to take corrective measures. The system ensures that the device remains functional and avoids unexpected shutdowns or performance degradation due to insufficient capacity. By integrating with a smartphone or tablet, the system leverages the device's existing hardware and software capabilities to provide accurate and timely capacity monitoring. The system is particularly useful in environments where uninterrupted device operation is critical, such as during travel, remote work, or emergency situations.
12. The capacity counter system of claim 8 wherein said central capacity controller is configured to implement a star network with respect a plurality of computer implemented clickers.
A capacity counter system is designed to monitor and manage the usage of computer-implemented clickers in a networked environment. The system addresses the challenge of efficiently tracking and controlling the capacity of multiple clickers to prevent overuse or resource exhaustion. The central capacity controller acts as a hub in a star network topology, where each clicker is connected directly to the controller. This configuration allows the controller to centrally manage and monitor the capacity usage of all connected clickers, ensuring balanced and controlled resource allocation. The star network structure simplifies communication and coordination between the controller and the clickers, enabling real-time adjustments to capacity limits based on demand or system constraints. The system may also include features such as dynamic capacity allocation, usage logging, and alert mechanisms to notify administrators of potential capacity issues. By centralizing control, the system improves efficiency, scalability, and reliability in managing clicker resources across a network.
13. The capacity counter system of claim 12 wherein said first clicker comprises a first ID, said central capacity controller comprises an allowable ID and wherein said central capacity controller is adapted to join said first clicker into said star network when said first ID matches said allowable ID.
A capacity counter system is designed to monitor and manage the usage of a shared resource, such as a network or a physical facility, by multiple users or devices. The system addresses the challenge of ensuring secure and controlled access to the resource by verifying the identity of each user or device before granting access. The system includes a central capacity controller that manages access permissions and a plurality of clickers, each representing a user or device seeking access. Each clicker contains a unique identifier (ID), and the central controller maintains a list of allowable IDs. When a clicker attempts to join the network, the central controller checks if the clicker's ID matches an allowable ID. If there is a match, the clicker is granted access and integrated into the network. This verification process ensures that only authorized users or devices can participate in the network, enhancing security and resource management. The system may also include additional features, such as tracking usage data or enforcing capacity limits, to optimize resource allocation.
14. The capacity counter system of claim 13 wherein said first ID is a unique ID.
A system for tracking and managing storage capacity in a distributed computing environment addresses the challenge of efficiently monitoring and allocating storage resources across multiple nodes. The system includes a capacity counter that tracks available storage space and a unique identifier (ID) assigned to each storage node to ensure accurate and conflict-free tracking. The unique ID prevents naming collisions and ensures that each node is distinctly identifiable within the system. The capacity counter system dynamically updates storage availability in real-time, allowing for efficient resource allocation and preventing over-allocation or underutilization. The system also includes a mechanism to detect and resolve conflicts when multiple nodes attempt to access or modify the same storage resource simultaneously. By using a unique ID for each node, the system ensures that all storage operations are correctly attributed to the appropriate node, maintaining data integrity and system reliability. This approach enhances scalability and performance in distributed storage environments by providing a robust framework for managing storage capacity.
15. The capacity counter system of claim 8 wherein said first clicker is a handheld device.
The invention relates to a capacity counter system designed to monitor and track the usage of a container, such as a storage bin or tank, to prevent overfilling or underfilling. The system addresses the need for accurate, real-time monitoring of container capacity, particularly in industrial or commercial settings where precise inventory management is critical. The system includes a first clicker, which is a handheld device, and a second clicker, both of which are configured to detect and record the movement of a measuring rod or similar mechanism within the container. The first clicker, being handheld, allows for portable and flexible operation, enabling users to manually measure and log container levels as needed. The second clicker is fixed to the container and continuously monitors the rod's position, providing automated tracking. The system also includes a processor that calculates the container's fill level based on the rod's movement data, ensuring accurate capacity measurements. The handheld design of the first clicker enhances usability, allowing operators to perform measurements in various locations without being tethered to a fixed system. This system improves efficiency and reliability in capacity monitoring, reducing the risk of errors and ensuring optimal inventory management.
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June 21, 2021
February 15, 2022
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